How to drink bourbon is one of those questions that sounds like it should have a complicated answer. It doesn’t. The best way to drink bourbon is whatever way you enjoy it most. There are no wrong answers here.
But if you’re new to bourbon and want to know where to start, or if you’ve been drinking it one way and want to try something different, this is a simple guide to the most popular methods. We make bourbon every day at our distillery in Burkesville, Kentucky, and we’ve seen people fall in love with it in all kinds of ways.
Here are five good ones.
5 Ways to Drink Bourbon
1 Neat
Neat means bourbon in a glass, room temperature, nothing added. This is how you experience bourbon exactly the way the distiller intended it. You get the full flavor, full aroma, and the true proof without anything softening it.
Pour about two ounces into a rocks glass or a Glencairn glass. Hold the glass just below your nose and breathe in gently. Take a small sip, let it sit on your tongue for a second, and then swallow. You’ll start picking out individual flavors, things like caramel, vanilla, oak, or spice depending on the bourbon.
If the alcohol feels too strong on the first sip, that’s normal. Give it a minute. Your palate adjusts.
2 With a Splash of Water
Adding a few drops of water to bourbon isn’t watering it down. It’s actually opening it up. A small amount of water can release aromas and flavors that the alcohol was masking. You might notice fruity or floral notes that weren’t there before.
This works especially well with higher proof bourbons. Start with just a few drops and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back.
3 On the Rocks
Bourbon over ice is called “on the rocks.” The ice chills the bourbon and slowly dilutes it as it melts, which can mellow out the heat and make stronger bourbons easier to sip.
One tip: use a single large ice cube or sphere instead of several small ones. Bigger ice melts slower, so your bourbon stays cold longer without getting watered down too fast.
This is a great entry point if you’re not used to drinking spirits straight.
4 In a Cocktail
Cocktails are probably the most beginner-friendly way to drink bourbon. The other ingredients balance out the alcohol and bring new flavor combinations to the table.
A few classics that work great with bourbon:
- Old Fashioned — bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. Simple and timeless.
- Whiskey Sour — bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Bright and easy to drink.
- Mint Julep — bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. The official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
You don’t need expensive bourbon for cocktails. But using a bourbon with good flavor, like Turby’s Cherrywood, makes a noticeable difference compared to bottom-shelf options.
5 Mixed with Something Simple
There’s no shame in mixing bourbon with cola, ginger ale, lemonade, or whatever you like. Some bourbon fans might give you a look, but honestly, who cares? If that’s how you enjoy it, that’s how you enjoy it.
Mixing is actually a great way to ease into bourbon if straight whiskey feels too intense. Start with a simple bourbon and ginger ale, and over time you might find yourself wanting to taste more of the bourbon on its own. That’s how a lot of bourbon drinkers got started.
What Does Bourbon Taste Like?
If you’ve never tasted bourbon before, here’s a general idea of what to expect. Bourbon’s flavor comes from its grain (at least 51% corn) and the charred white oak barrel it ages in. Those two things create a base flavor profile that includes caramel, vanilla, oak, and a touch of sweetness.
From there, the specific flavors depend on the bourbon. A high rye bourbon like Long Ridge will have more pepper and spice. A wheated bourbon like Turby’s Cherrywood will be softer and smoother with cherry and vanilla. The aging time, proof, and barrel char level all play a role too.
The easiest way to figure out what bourbon tastes like to you? Try it. Start with a small pour neat, then experiment with water, ice, and cocktails. The same bourbon can taste different depending on how you drink it.
Watch: How to Drink Bourbon Properly
This video walks through the different ways to enjoy bourbon, from neat pours to classic cocktails. The takeaway? There are no strict rules. Bourbon appreciation grows through curiosity, not gatekeeping.
Which Bourbon Should You Start With?
If you’re picking your first bottle, the two biggest factors are smoothness and proof. A lower proof bourbon (around 80-90 proof) is going to be easier to drink than a cask strength one. And a wheated or cherrywood-finished bourbon will be softer than a high rye.
Our Recommendation
Turby’s Cherrywood Bourbon
90 proof. Wheated mashbill finished with cherrywood. Smooth with dark cherry and vanilla notes. This is the bourbon we recommend if you’re just getting started. Gold Medal winner, 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Learn More ›Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon
7 years aged. Cask strength. If you already know you like bold, peppery flavors, start here. Deep caramel, rye spice, and roasted nuts with a long warming finish. Double Gold Medal, 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Learn More ›Try Bourbon the Best Way: In Person
Book a tour at Southern Kentucky Distillery in Burkesville, KY. See how bourbon is made from grain to glass, and finish with a guided tasting. Tours are $15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to drink bourbon for beginners?
Start with bourbon on the rocks or in a simple cocktail like a Whiskey Sour. As your palate adjusts, try it neat with a few drops of water. A smooth, lower-proof bourbon (like a wheated or cherrywood-finished option) is easiest to start with.
What does bourbon taste like?
Bourbon generally has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak from the charred barrel it ages in. Depending on the mashbill, you might also taste pepper and spice (from rye), dark cherry or honey (from wheat), or nutty, biscuit-like notes (from malted barley).
Should you add water to bourbon?
A few drops of water can open up flavors and aromas that the alcohol was hiding, especially in higher-proof or cask strength bourbons. Start with just two or three drops and taste before adding more.
Is it okay to drink bourbon with ice?
Absolutely. Bourbon on the rocks is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it. Use a single large ice cube or sphere to keep the bourbon cold without diluting it too fast.
Can you mix bourbon with soda or cola?
Yes. Bourbon and cola, bourbon and ginger ale, and bourbon and lemonade are all common and perfectly fine. Mixing is a great way to ease into bourbon if you’re not used to drinking spirits straight.